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"Instruments that breathe life,grace,and meaning in to a pastime that otherwise is simply about fish"

​ Jeff Hatton

​​​History​

​​Rodbuilding~

Welcome! My name is Gary Berenson.

My journey into rodbuilding began about 15 yrs ago after visiting an up-state NY flyshop and seeing this beautiful cane rod protected inside of a glass case. The flamed toning,silk wraps,nickel silver hardware and figured wood reel seat were beautiful !After reading all the material I could find, and gathering all of the tools needed, I spent the year building my first rod. After I built my first bamboo fly rod, I discovered the action of the rod was slow and disappointing. Since that first fly rod I have been building bamboo rods, using not only tapers from past Masters, but modifying them and designing my own tapers. My goal is to make high performance fly rods. My journey of rodbuilding is an ongoing process, constantly changing thoughts and procedures. I am indebted to today's rodbuilding community who have shared so much. Different tempering, hollowing and finishing techniques are constantly challenging the rodbuilder to make the best split-cane fly rod possible. I set the bar high for myself- building with integrity and making sure that my customers are satisfied. My passion is to build high performance fast-action rods but I will provide any taper that a client wants. G.

Fishing~I started flyfishing with my Dad on the rivers and ponds in the Western part of Maine when I was 15 yrs old. Fishing for brook trout and the occasional landlocked salmon launched a lifetime of passion for the sport. Although living in Massachusetts,I would say that the Catskills are considered my home waters for trout. The Beaverkill and Delaware watershed were home to the great rodbuilders such as Leonard and Payne.My passion for fishing expanded out west to Montana's beautiful rivers , and to Alaska, B.C. and a few trips to Argentina. My saltwater experiences include spending alot of time chasing Albies on the Vineyard, and casting to bonefish on Andros.Lastly, I am now enjoying fishing with a two-hander for steelhead on rivers such as the Kispiox, Dean, Gallegos,and salmon on the Miramachi.